Combined orthodontic movement of teeth with temporomandibular joint therapy

Abstract

Systems, devices and methods are disclosed for concurrently treating temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) and orthodontically moving teeth. The devices can have an orthodontic aligner and a TMD treatment device. The devices can be configured to concurrently reposition a mandible and orthodontically move one or more teeth.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 397,765 filed Sep. 21, 2016, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.BACKGROUND1. Technical Field[0002]Systems, devices and methods for treating temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) are disclosed. More specifically, systems, devices and methods are disclosed for treating TMD concurrently with dental and / or orthodontic treatment.2. Background of the Art[0003]Temporomandibular dysfunction affects a large portion of the population and is regarded as multifactorial condition with a multitude of etiologies and treatment modalities. Some estimates suggest that over 10 million Americans are affected by temporomandibular dysfunction.[0004]The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex joint that connects the jaw to the temporal bones of the skull. These joints allow movement of the jaw to go up and down and side to side, which facilitate...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system, apparatus, and method for simultaneouslymoving teeth and treating temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). The system includes dental trays or orthodontic aligner trays and craniofacial adjustment blocks that can be attached to or integrated with the trays. The method involves using a series of oral appliances that can concurrently reposition both the mandible and orthodontically move teeth. The technical effects of this system and method include improved treatment outcomes and reduced treatment duration for TMD.

Problems solved by technology

However, no treatment modality currently exists that simultaneously moves teeth and provides TMD treatment that is separate and apart from the orthodontic movement of teeth (e.g., via braces or a retainer).

A need therefore exists to address this deficiency, as TMD appliances, when used separately from orthodontic treatments that move teeth, can cause teeth to shift and compel subsequent orthodontic treatment to correct the resulting malocclusions, and orthodontic treatments that move teeth, when used separately from TMD appliances, can cause TMD even though the orthodontic movement of teeth can treat TMD.

Further, since TMD appliances cause teeth to move, current TMD appliances become nonfunctional as soon as the teeth move, for example, into new positions that can in turn cause new TMD issues.

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